Mexico’s Caribbean coast is a culturally rich, energetic and colorful place that is among the region’s most vibrant travel destinations. And happily Riviera Maya resorts live up to the area’s palpable authenticity.
Indeed, the Riviera Maya, the coastal corridor that stretches 86 miles south from Cancun and comprises Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, has something for every kind of traveler.
And for a place to stay when you get there, take our recommendations for how to discover all the best Riviera Maya resorts.
There’s just something eternally lovely about Belmond’s Riviera Maya retreat, a boutique oasis with 63 rooms and suites and a world-class spa. It’s got the brand’s unique expression of effortless luxury, with an authentic Mexican identity.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba We can’t think of a better place to find our Zen than at this Eastern-inspired cloister within the private Mayakoba development, where more than 100 sleek villas have their own pools and outdoor bathtubs, and the white-sand beach is a standout.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya There are so many reasons why we love this 539-suite adults-only resort. Spot-on service; ocean-view private plunge pools; and an impressive spa (the Caribbean’s largest) are just three.
Fairmont Mayakoba Privacy is guaranteed at this plush 400-room resort near Playa Del Carmen, which achieves the rare feat of being simultaneously family friendly and luxurious. Golfers will appreciate the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón course, right next door.
Thompson Playa Del Carmen Whether you book a suite in this chic resort’s beachfront building or Fifth Avenue location, you’re guaranteed to be smack in the center of all the Playa action (and surrounded by equally stylish sun-seekers).
Zoetry Paraiso De La Bonita A vacation at this 90-room everything-included boutique feels like staying at a friend’s beachfront hacienda, complete with individually and eclectically decorated rooms; maid service three times a day; and a palpably romantic vibe.
Mi Amor Boutique Hotel & Spa With just 17 boho-chic rooms in a quiet location just south of Tulum’s Zona Hotelera, this retreat is a winner with couples in search of a hip hideaway minus the pomp and pretense of similarly stylish hotels.
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
This Leading Hotels of the World property just outside of the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos has some of the best service you’ll find not just in Mexico but in all of the Caribbean. With massive suites, terrific food and a great stretch of beach, this is a simlpy terrific luxury resort.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
This adults-only, eco-friendly retreat has 412 gorgeous suites with either terraces or balconies, en-suite whirlpools, four-poster beds and seven a la carte eateries as part of the company’s signature Unlimited Luxury experience.
Rosewood Mayakoba You can’t pick the wrong room at this resort, set on the mile-long beach of a sprawling private estate. But we particularly love the overwater lagoon suites, which feature private pools and swim-up access from the serpentine waterway.
